Age and Gender Related Changes in the Dimensions of Corpus Callosum by MRI-In South Indian Population

Abstract

Introduction: Corpus callosum is the largest and most important commissural white matter tract connecting the two cerebral hemispheres. MRI helps in assessment of variation in its size and shape with respect to age and gender and possible implications on treatment planning. Aim: To evaluate the changes in the thickness of various parts and bending angle of corpus callosum with relation to age and gender. Materials and Methods: The thickness of various parts (rostrum, genu, body and splenium) of corpus callosum, the distance of genu from frontal pole, the distance of splenium from occipital pole and bending angle of corpus callosum were measured in 121 normal subjects (72 males and 49 females) in T1 mid sagittal images on 1.5 tesla MRI in M S Ramaiah hospitals, Bengaluru. The data was analysed using unpaired ‘t’-test. Results: Thickness of various parts of corpus callosum (rostrum, genu, body and splenium) was found to be significantly more (p-value 60 years). The bending angle, however was found to be significantly more (p-value 60 years) as compared to the younger group (20 – 60 years). There was no significant difference in the above parameters with respect to gender. Also, distance of genu from the frontal pole and splenium from the occipital pole were not statistically different. Conclusion: This study showed that there was significant decrease in the thickness of different parts and increase in the bending angle of corpus callosum with age. There was however, no significant difference in relation to gender. Normative values thus obtained help in early detection and follow-up of disease processes.

Keywords

• bending angle
• genu
• rostrum
• splenium